Enhanced Payload Retrieval Systems for HARP-3

University

Shawnee State University

Major

Computer Engineering Technology

Student Type

Undergraduate Student

Presentation Types

Poster Group Presentation (Live)

Keywords:

High-altitude balloon, APRS, extremophile research, embedded systems

Abstract

This project focuses on enhancing payload retrieval systems for the High-Altitude Research Project (HARP) at Shawnee State University (SSU), a program that uses high-altitude weather balloons to expose biological samples to stratospheric conditions for astrobiological research. The first launch, HARP-1, successfully collected atmospheric data and observed tardigrade survival at altitudes near 90,000 feet, but the next launch, HARP-2, resulted in payload loss due to limited flight path control. To address this critical limitation, we engineered two primary improvements: (1) implementation of a commanded parachute cut-down system that disconnects the payload from its parachute should the parachute become lodged and (2) a spherical ellipsoid payload design. Both improvements (1) and (2) help mitigate the risk of the payload from becoming lodged and irretrievable. Additional enhancements include PITS flight predicting software, visual and auditory retrieval aids, and weight optimization, but this project focuses on implementing improvements (1) and (2); other enhancements remain considerations for future development. The proposed improvements will significantly increase payload recovery rates, enabling continuation of astrobiological research while providing Computer Engineering Technology (CET) students with practical experience in amateur radio operation, embedded systems development, and engineering design. The enhanced system will establish a more reliable platform for future experimentation and interdepartmental research collaboration at SSU.

Human and Animal Subjects

no

Faculty Mentor Name

Jeong Tae Ok

Faculty Mentor Title

Dr. Ok, J.T.

Faculty Mentor Department

Engineering Technologies

Second Faculty Mentor

James Reneau

Second Faculty Mentor Title

Dr. Reneau, James

Second Faculty Mentor Department

School of Business

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Enhanced Payload Retrieval Systems for HARP-3

This project focuses on enhancing payload retrieval systems for the High-Altitude Research Project (HARP) at Shawnee State University (SSU), a program that uses high-altitude weather balloons to expose biological samples to stratospheric conditions for astrobiological research. The first launch, HARP-1, successfully collected atmospheric data and observed tardigrade survival at altitudes near 90,000 feet, but the next launch, HARP-2, resulted in payload loss due to limited flight path control. To address this critical limitation, we engineered two primary improvements: (1) implementation of a commanded parachute cut-down system that disconnects the payload from its parachute should the parachute become lodged and (2) a spherical ellipsoid payload design. Both improvements (1) and (2) help mitigate the risk of the payload from becoming lodged and irretrievable. Additional enhancements include PITS flight predicting software, visual and auditory retrieval aids, and weight optimization, but this project focuses on implementing improvements (1) and (2); other enhancements remain considerations for future development. The proposed improvements will significantly increase payload recovery rates, enabling continuation of astrobiological research while providing Computer Engineering Technology (CET) students with practical experience in amateur radio operation, embedded systems development, and engineering design. The enhanced system will establish a more reliable platform for future experimentation and interdepartmental research collaboration at SSU.